Father’s Day takes on new meaning for Jason Anderson

The complexion of Father’s Day changed for Jason Anderson inside of an intensive care unit.

Seven months ago, in that emotional setting, he and his wife, Brittany, broke the news that they were expecting their first child to Jason’s cancer-stricken father.

“That was the last time I saw him smile,” Anderson said.

Roger Eldridge died of multiple forms of cancer at an Indiana hospital on the day after Thanksgiving with the knowledge that his son was beginning a new chapter of his life.

“He was battling his butt off,” Anderson said, “but for that day everything was perfect.”

Anderson, a relief pitcher for the Somerset Patriots, is spending his first Father’s Day as an expectant dad with Brittany, who is due to give birth to a son on June 25. He flew home to Illinois prior to Saturday’s 8-3 victory against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs as part of a 10-day leave of absence from the Patriots.

“It’s bad timing baseball-wise, but, as far as my life, I couldn’t be happier,” the former member of the Yankees and Mets said. “I had three goals in life — graduate college, make it to the major leagues and start a good family. I accomplished one, I have about one year of school left and I’m well on the way to the other.”

The events of the past seven months have impacted Anderson, 32, between the lines as he plays his 12th season of professional baseball.

“I’ve learned to make the most of your time,” he said. “Every day I come to the field, I try to enjoy it. I’m very blessed to have the people around me that I do and to be able to do what I’ve done.”

The more laid-back approach helped Anderson persevere through a difficult start to the season in which he allowed runs in four of his first six appearances. Since blowing a two-run, ninth-inning lead and suffering the loss on May 14, he has recorded a clean slate in 10 of 12 outings and shaved three runs off of his ERA.

“It’s no secret that I’m coming toward the end of my baseball career,” he said. “I’m going out there to do the best I can. In the past, I’d get so focused on the game and everything that was going on around it that I would put a lot of pressure on myself.”

These days, Anderson needs some of his focus for Internet video chats — his main form of contact with Brittany since she left New Jersey a few weeks into the season.

“I don’t think it’s really set in for me yet,” he said. “I’m anxious, but my wife is pretty strong and she’s super excited. As long as the baby comes out healthy, I’ll be happy.”

The Andersons, who began dating in college and were married fewer than two years ago, have narrowed their list of baby names down to two. They already have settled on Albert as a middle name as a tribute to Jason’s grandmother, Alberta Anderson.

“Jason is going to be a great dad,” said Nic Ungs, Anderson’s teammate and close friend. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He understands this is just a game and (knows) what is really important.”

Of course, the Andersons’ first child still will get plenty of early exposure to the game that took his father to the top.

“I don’t think anybody is as excited as the grandparents,” Anderson said. “The kid already has more baseball clothes than he could ever wear.”

Everyday Joe

Joe Holden, who missed 11 games with a sprained left ankle, was activated from the disabled list and started in center field Saturday. Anderson and pitcher Derell McCall were placed on the inactive list.